Waggleview® with business owner Michele Pinette

A waggleview® reveals the incredible bond between the human and animal connection. These special interviews remind us to mindfully live in the moment, as our pets do every single day. Read our featured waggleview® to find out her dogs philosophy on life and how her dogs inspire her.

We rescued Gizmo when he was about 2. He was in bad shape and needed a lot of love. He was abused and not treated very well.

We got Ivan when he was 8 weeks old. German Shepherds are my favorite breed. My son Derrick helped me pick him out. Derrick named him after the lead singer of the band he liked at the time (Five Fingure Death Punch). His name fits him and it’s funny how he got it!

Q: Do you talk to your dogs? If so, what do you talk about?

I have to say I carry on full conversions with both of them. I love the head tilting they do; it makes me laugh everytime. I also ask them what they are thinking all the time.

Q: If they could talk to you, what would they say?

Gizmo would say give me more love. He is always in someone’s lap. He just loves people.

Ivan would say give me more treats please. I’m sure he would say “please” and “thank you” all the time.

Q: If your dogs had a job or career, what would they be doing?

Gizmo would be a good greeter or a Customer Service Rep. He loves people and always want to please new people.

Ivan would be a model. He is just that handsome.

Q: What lesson in life have your dogs taught you?

Gizmo has taught us unconditional love. No matter what humans have done to him in the past, he still loves everyone.

Ivan has tought us loyalty. He is always by our side. He is never too far behind one of us.

Q: How do your dogs inspire you?

My Shepard is the reason I opened my shop. He is allergic to pollen and needs a bath at least once a week. I hated my job for years. It paid well and I was good at it so I stuck with it for over 20 years. When Ivan got sick and needed to get bathed so often that is when I realized that others out there may need this service. So I did my homework and put a plan into place to open Fur Babies. It was the best thing I ever did for myself and for Ivan.

Gizmo he has taught me that no matter what life does to you forgiveness is key.

Q: Where is your dog’s favorite place to go with you?

We take them hiking a lot. Love Black Rock (in Thomaston, CT). The first time we went there with Gizmo, I thought we may have to carry him up some of the rocks since he is so small. Gizmo is a trooper. He climbed it all on his own. He is a very tough little dog.

Ivan loves anywhere there is water. He loves the beach or the lake.

Q: Who or what do your dogs find the most interesting?

Gizmo likes to hunt. He loves to go in our shed and try to find mice.

Ivan is all about the treats.

Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do?

I think your pets should be treated like family members. There are too many people who just think a dog is a dog or a cat is just a cat. My Fur Kids are a big part of my family and my life. I love them as much as my human kids.

Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you? Taking care of them just as you would take care of your human kids.

Q: Do you ever dress up your dogs? If so, as what?

Ivan- NO

Gizmo of course. 🙂 He’s pretty cute with his hoodie on him or his giraffe costume.

Q: How have your dogs changed your life?

Both of my dogs came to me in a time of life where my kids were moving out and going out on their own. I did miss them and still do. But everyday, when I get home my dogs are there to greet me. And to be honest they are much easier to raise then teenagers.

Q: Do your dogs have a philosophy of life?

Gizmo’s philosophy is just pure affection and love for everyone he meets.

Ivan’s is … what can I do for a treat.

Q: I love my dogs because even on bad day they are always happy to see me. It makes my bad days a little better!

Q: Have you ever made dog treats for your dogs? If so, please share your recipe.

God no! I can cook, but I’m the type of cook that just puts things together and it taste great. If I have to measure, we are in trouble. I love to give my pups homemade treats, but I just buy them!

WAGGLEVIEW®: These interviews are focused on leaders in business, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected people in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about pets and what these people do? This is a platform for people to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their pet!

Thank you Michele for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview®.